There are very few things in life that we look forward to more than settling in for a good night sleep after a long day. But if you manage to snag eight hours of downtime yet still wake up tired and in pain, your bed may be to blame.

Keep reading for more information on why your mattress matters.

An Old Mattress Is the Perfect Habitat for Dust Mites

If you enjoy the thought of tiny spider-like creatures eating your dead skin, then go ahead and skip to the next section. But if you’re like the rest of us, you may want to consider the critters living under your covers.Dust mites are, unfortunately, a reality, even if your home is as clean as an operating room. If your mattress is more than five years old, there’s likely a ridiculous buildup of decaying dust mite bodies and feces, which can cause mild to severe symptoms including coughing, chest pain, and itchy eyes.

Lack of Support Throughout the Night

The mattress you bought in college probably isn’t supportive enough to ensure that your spine and neck are adequately aligned. Your spine, which is made up of movable, interlocking bones called vertebrae, needs to remain at a natural curve throughout the evening hours. As Business Insider explains, anunsupportive mattress exacerbates common back issues.

Sleeping on the Wrong Type of Mattress Affects Menopause

Night sweats and hot flashes are almost a certainty as a woman approaches the end of her childbearing years. And there are certain factors that can make these issues even worse. Among other things, Harvard University recommendslowering the thermostat at night if heat is a problem. But even if you sleep in Arctic temperatures, if your mattress doesn’t allow for proper airflow or retains too much heat, you’re going to feel the burn.

Before you rush off to the store to replace your mattress, you should know that not all bedding is created equal. Angie’s List explains that there are all differenttypes of mattresses, from firm (which is similar to sleeping on the floor) to ultra-plush varieties (which may not offer the level of support needed for someone with chronic back pain). The type of mattress you choose should be based more on need than budget. It’s worth taking the time to research. A good mattress is something you should be willing to save for, not buy on the fly. It should be purchased with careful consideration as to how it will affect your health and quality of life.

Once you do invest in a new sleep set up, keep it clean by vacuuming regularly to remove dust mites andtreat stains, such as blood and urine, to ensure your mattress stays fresh and clean. Remember, your mattress is only meant to last 7 to 10 years and even if itdoesn’t double in weight because of dead skin and dust mite corpses, an old mattress will still contribute to poor sleep and potential health issues.

Bedtime Tips for Better Health

If you snore or have frequent stuffy noses, invest in an adjustable mattress. You can even elevate the head of your bed with books or firm pillows between the mattress and the foundation.

Use cotton sheets and a layer of blankets so you can adjust your personal amount of coverage without bothering your partner.

Sleep quality matters as does the quality of the surface upon which you sleep. A bad bed is no good and will have you wheezing, sneezing, and writhing with back pain long after your morning begins.

So, if you live or work near the SF Telegraph Hill – North Beach – Financial District and have suffered a from a poor mattress or bed injury that requires treatment, we would love to meet you. To schedule an appointment with our San Francisco Chiropractor, please call 415–415–1115 or book an appointment online.